First DADO for BT3100

[steve_ma]

I want cut dados for some cabinets I am building. I have been using the router, but I borrow a 6" craftsman dado for my table saw and they seemed to go faster. Why would I buy a 8" vs a 6" ? What does the larger size do?

I see like the Freud SD206 and the Oshlum 6" (Holbren). I would assume either of these is OK but I have little experience with dado blades. Cutting lots of 3/4 dados on the router is loud and messy.

Any input appreciated. Thanks

[eezlock]

first dado for BT3100

It sure works easier doesn't it? And remember a stacked dado usually makes a better looking, smooth bottomed dado, where a wobble dad won't!

[LCHIEN]

do a 6" stack dado for the BT3's.

All the dope is in my BT3 faq (see below)

[Uncle Cracker]

What Loring said...

There are clearance problems for an 8" stack in the BT's. Unless you need a slot that is ridiculously deep, there is no advantage to an 8" dado set.

[rberrybabylon]

Just to add to the consensus.

I have the Freud 8 in. set and, while it works fine, I feel it's overkill and wish I'd bought the 6 in. set instead. The 6 in. set should handle practically any "normal" jobs.

[Thalermade]

The Freud 6 inch dado works great, usually costs less too.

Here is a little CD holder project I did using mine.

[dbhost]

I have the Oshlun, and couldn't be happier with it. The guys at my local Rockler steered me to it, I was on the fence between the Oshlun and the Freus 6". Glad I got this one. The cuts are laser perfect every time...

If you are on a BT3K, you shouldn't run an 8" dado stack. Too big for the motor. ON a bigger saw, still no need for anything bigger than a 6". You are cutting slots, rabbets, and dadoes, not super wide through cuts with this...

[crokett]

I have the Freud 8 in. set and, while it works fine, I feel it's overkill and wish I'd bought the 6 in. set instead. The 6 in. set should handle practically any "normal" jobs.

Me too. I bought the 8" several years ago and wish I'd bought the 6".

[Knottscott]

Holbren discount

Just a reminder...Holbren offers a 10% discount with the "BT310" code, which brings the 6" Oshlun to ~ $67 shipped.

[steve_ma]

Thanks alot for all the replies. I didn't know about the holbren discount....although I have bought stuff from them (him?) before.

[Tom Miller]

Me too. I bought the 8" several years ago and wish I'd bought the 6".

I have the Freud 8", mostly because it was a stock item at HD. I certainly don't need the capacity, but I'm curious why you wish you got the 6".

I've heard for some folks the 8" will hit their Al casting....

Regards,
Tom

[LCHIEN]

I have the Freud 8", mostly because it was a stock item at HD. I certainly don't need the capacity, but I'm curious why you wish you got the 6".

I've heard for some folks the 8" will hit their Al casting....

Regards,
Tom

the 8" hits some of the motor housing so you need the extra 1/4" spacer on the arbor that the 6" will not need.

With the 1/4" spacer on the arbor then the left side plate will end up on the threads of the arbor. You may have to leave off the blade washer on that side to get the nut on, but in any case using a dado stack more than about 5/8" to 13/16ths" wil cause the left plate to ride about .010" low on the thread area and cut an uneven bottom. Leaving the blade washer off is another possible problem. I've done it but I don't think its a really good idea.